Modular Block Structure With Rotational Joints For Slope Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures for protecting against impacts and supporting land stabilization, such as retaining walls and gabions, are not optimized as they require complex anchoring operations, large footprints, and inefficient kinetic energy dissipation, and are time-consuming to set up, especially in complex topographies.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure composed of blocks with protuberances and cavities allowing relative rotation, connected by flexible or rigid elements, which can be easily assembled and adapted to fit various topographies with a minimal footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchoring operations using bolts or guy wires are used, then the structure can be securely fixed to the slope, but the installation process becomes long and complex requiring drilling holes and filling with cement
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular blocks that can be independently assembled. Each block contains integrated connection elements (protrusions and cavities) that enable quick coupling without traditional anchoring operations. This segmentation allows the structure to be built piece by piece, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure fixation through the interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocks are designed with self-contained connection features where the protrusions on one block automatically engage with the cavities on another block. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external anchoring operations like drilling and cement filling, allowing the structure to secure itself through the integrated geometric interlocking of blocks.
2Reliability
If traditional anchoring operations are used, then the structure can be securely fixed, but the complexity of drilling and cement filling operations increases the difficulty of installation
Solution Approach 1:
The complex external anchoring operations (drilling, cement filling) are extracted and replaced by an integrated connection system built into the blocks themselves. The protrusions and cavities are formed as integral parts of the block structure, eliminating the need for separate anchoring operations and significantly reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function is merged with the block structure itself. The protrusions and cavities are not separate components but are formed as integral parts of the blocks, combining the structural and connection functions into a single integrated system that simplifies installation while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If gravity structures formed by stacking blocks are used, then the structure can hold back ground or stop moving blocks, but the footprint becomes large and kinetic energy dissipation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between blocks is designed to allow controlled movement and rotation. The protrusion-cavity joints enable the blocks to rotate relative to each other, creating a dynamic structure that can adapt to terrain variations and dissipate kinetic energy through controlled motion rather than requiring a large static footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure utilizes vertical stacking with controlled rotation in the horizontal plane. By allowing blocks to rotate around vertical axes, the structure can conform to three-dimensional terrain variations, reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining ground holding capability through the vertical interlocking arrangement.
4Strength
If gravity structures formed by stacking blocks are used, then the structure can provide support, but the building process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into standardized blocks with identical connection interfaces. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly using the same protrusion-cavity coupling mechanism repeatedly, significantly increasing building speed while maintaining support capability through the consistent modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection features (protrusions and cavities) are pre-formed as integral parts of the blocks during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site connection preparation, allowing blocks to be directly assembled by simply coupling the pre-formed features, thereby accelerating the building process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a structure (10) comprising an assembly of blocks (15), each block (15) having an upper face (35) and a lower face (40), at least two axes (A) and, for each axis (A), a protuberance (60), a duct (50) and a cavity (75), each protuberance (60) being provided on the upper face (35), each cavity (75) being provided on the lower face (40), each duct (50) extending along the corresponding axis (A) and being defined by the block (15), each cavity (75) of a block (15) receiving a protuberance (60) of a block (15) immediately below the block (15) in question. Each protuberance (60) and the corresponding cavity (75) are configured to allow a rotation about the axis (A) between the blocks (15), at least one connecting element (20, 25A, 25B) being received within the two ducts (50) in order to block at least one degree of freedom between the blocks (15).